Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton stood earlier than a crowd on the South Aspect of Chicago on a brisk Friday afternoon, April 25, to announce her intention to step into the race to succeed longtime U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. She is doing so with the total political weight and endorsement of Gov. JB Pritzker supporting her.
Pritzker gave excessive reward to Stratton, acknowledging her drive, observe document and her potential to guide throughout troublesome instances when dedication, fast motion and readability are wanted.
“Juliana doesn’t flinch when it will get laborious,” Pritzker instructed the gang, including that her time in Springfield was proof sufficient that she’s prepared for the Capitol.
Pritzker’s endorsement is a bat sign to the remainder of the Democratic Celebration and others that the state’s high Democrats are getting on the identical web page early. Rumors had been floating round with regard to Stratton’s intentions. Now it’s official, and the floodgates are open.
Stratton spoke with conviction and delight about her time working with Pritzker. She highlighted the progress made on points akin to labor rights and public well being reforms. By way of her marketing campaign, she centered on the wants of on a regular basis Illinoisans, particularly those that are most frequently ignored of the nationwide dialogue.
In a state identified for its deep bench of Democratic expertise, the early alignment of occasion heavyweights with Stratton is notable. Inside 48 hours of the Pritzker rally, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth added her identify to Stratton’s nook. Duckworth, who has carved out a repute as each a bipartisan negotiator and fierce advocate for veterans and dealing households, known as Stratton a “confirmed accomplice in progress.”
“Juliana is aware of what it’s wish to struggle for individuals who’ve been missed or underserved,” Duckworth stated in an announcement picked up by ABC7. “She doesn’t simply present up—she listens, after which she does the work.”
Stratton’s focus is predicted to laser in on restoring belief in authorities, increasing alternatives for ladies and marginalized communities, and persevering with to push for financial equality. Her profession has included stints as a mediator, state legislator and now lieutenant governor. Every position, she says, has ready her to be a voice not only for Illinois, however for these throughout the nation navigating techniques that usually fail to notice their full humanity.
Launching her marketing campaign on the South Aspect is each private and strategic—a transfer to root her candidacy within the communities which have formed her.
“That is the place I discovered the which means of resilience,” she instructed the gang throughout her announcement. “And that’s what I’m bringing with me.”
At this level, Stratton is the one declared candidate in what is predicted to be a crowded Democratic main. Names like former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi have surfaced as potential contenders. These people have a substantial amount of gravitas within the occasion; nonetheless, an endorsement by a sitting governor who’s a billionaire and Duckworth could also be rather a lot to beat.
That being stated, something can occur in Illinois in relation to politics. What’s clear is that Stratton has set the stage and positioned herself because the candidate to beat due to who she is, her background and her confirmed observe document. A win for her will probably be impactful and historic.